AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 177, 5 November 1910, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

NAVAL DEFENCE. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Melbourne, November 4. In the Senate, during the second reading debate on the Naval Defence Bill, Mr. Gould said he thought they should make it plain that the Commonwealth would place the ships under the control of the Imperial authorities in time of war. Mr. Steward deprecated the navy as too expensive. A citizen army of a quarter of a million should enable them to defend Australia against any enemy. He instanced the Boer war. Mr. Pearce: We have a comic opera army. The second reading was carried, and the Bill reported without amendment. The Military Board has recommended Mr. Pearce not to take action regarding the establishment of an aviation corps. THE EDUCATION SCHEME. Sydney, November 4. Mr. Beeby, Minister for Education stated that a very large increase in the number of bursaries and scholarships was contemplated. He hoped to throw University bursaries open to all competitors irrespective of the source of their earlier education. The Govenment intends to call Parliament together much earlier than is usually done. LAND TAX. Melbourne, November 4.' In the Senate the Land Tax Bill was read a second time and reported without amendment. The Federal Government hope to close the session on the 18th inst.